Neo JMB, the IS-inspired militant group responsible for the 2016 Holey Artisan Café attack, has been using cell phones from prisons for communication and operations, as per a recent police intelligence report.

The outfit is also increasing its funds through foreign donations and agricultural earnings.

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One of the top leaders of the outfit Abu Ruham alias Kunia has been smuggling cell phones in jails with the help of some prison guards, the report added.

Then the inmates install encrypted apps like Signal, Telegram, and Wicker Me for communication.

Md Asaduzzaman, chief of the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime unit, told The Daily Star that militants in jail are now under increased surveillance.

The report revealed that Neo JMB's current Ameer, Saudi expatriate and Afghan returnee Abu Bakar, maintains regular communication with jailed members in Bangladesh.

A high-ranking counterterrorism official confirmed that members provide money, SIM cards, and smart phones to inmates with help from some prison guards.

Financial support is also sent through mobile financing services, the official added.